Technology

Data platforms / analytics - R&D Tax Benchmark

What proportion of total business expenses do Australian data platforms / analytics typically claim as R&D under the RDTI?

Typical range

20–50%

Direct (core) R&D as % of expenses

Elevated but plausible

up to 70%

Still defensible with strong evidence

Unusual - review carefully

> 85%

May still be valid; expect AusIndustry scrutiny

Supporting R&D

3–10%

Indirect / supporting activities

What drives R&D intensity in this sector

Pipeline and query-engine R&D qualifies; dashboard configuration and data-ops do not.

Sector disclaimer

Platform-stage data businesses commonly sit 25–50%. Reporting, BI and ETL maintenance are excluded.

ATO & AusIndustry context

Performance optimisation can qualify only where measurable hypotheses and uncertain outcomes are documented.

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More benchmarks in Technology

Educational benchmark only - not an eligibility test or tax advice. Final eligibility depends on whether your activities meet the s.355-25 / s.355-30 core and supporting R&D definitions and is determined by AusIndustry on registration.